PowerSeries Pro Installation Guide
Locating detectors and escape plan
The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local
fire codes and regulations be consulted when locating and installing smoke and CO
alarms.
Smoke Detectors
Research has shown that all hostile fires in homes generate smoke to a greater or lesser
extent. Experiments with typical fires in homes indicate that detectable quantities of
smoke precede detectable levels of heat in most cases. For these reasons, smoke alarms
should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each storey of the home.
The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local
fire codes and regulations be consulted when locating and installing smoke alarms.
It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those required for minimum
protection be installed. Additional areas that should be protected include: the basement;
bedrooms, especially where smokers sleep; dining rooms; furnace and utility rooms; and
any hallways not protected by the required units. On smooth ceilings, detectors may be
spaced 9.1m (30 feet) apart as a guide. Other spacing may be required depending on
ceiling height, air movement, the presence of joists, uninsulated ceilings, etc. Consult
National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-02 or other appropriate national
standards for installation recommendations.
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Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled ceilings; the
dead air space in these locations may prevent the unit from detecting smoke.
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Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or windows.
Rapid air movement around the detector may prevent smoke from entering the
unit.
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Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
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Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38ºC
(100ºF) or falls below 5ºC (41ºF).
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Smoke detectors should always be installed in USA in accordance with
Chapter 29 of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code.
Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy,
approved single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
1.
In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms.
2.
Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 6.4 m (21 ft) of any
door to a sleeping room, the distance measured along a path of travel.
3.
On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements.
4.
On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including
basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.
5.
In the living area(s) of a guest suite.
6.
In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility).
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 3a
Figure 4
Fire Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it
becomes deadly. It is thus very important that a family escape plan be
developed and rehearsed.
1.
Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2.
Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since
many fires occur at night, special attention should be given to the escape
routes from sleeping quarters.
3.
Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
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Make sure that all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that
they are not painted shut, and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
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If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or han-
dicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure
that those who are to perform the rescue can promptly hear the fire warning
signal.
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If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be
provided as well as training in its use.
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Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from
exterior patio doors in winter; outdoor furniture or equipment should not
block exits.
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Each person should know the predetermined assembly point where everyone
can be accounted for (e.g., across the street or at a neighbor's house). Once
everyone is out of the building, call the fire department.
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A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate or attempt to fight
the fire, and do not gather belongings as this can waste valuable time. Once
outside, do not re-enter the house. Wait for the fire department.
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Write the fire escape plan down and rehearse it frequently so that should an
emergency arise, everyone will know what to do. Revise the plan as con-
ditions change, such as the number of people in the home, or if there are
changes to the building’s construction.
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Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests.
If you are unsure about system operation, contact your installer.
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We recommend that you contact your local fire department and request further
information on fire safety and escape planning. If available, have your local
fire prevention officer conduct an in-house fire safety inspection.
Figure 5
Carbon Monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and very toxic, it also moves freely in
the air. CO detectors can measure the concentration and sound a loud alarm before a
potentially harmful level is reached. The human body is most vulnerable to the effects of
CO gas during sleeping hours; therefore, CO detectors should be located in or as near as
possible to sleeping areas of the home. For maximum protection, a CO alarm should be
located outside primary sleeping areas or on each level of your home. Figure 5 indicates
the suggested locations in the home.
Do NOT place the CO alarm in the following areas:
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Where the temperature may drop below -10ºC or exceed 40ºC
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Near paint thinner fumes
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Within 5 feet (1.5m) of open flame appliances such as furnaces, stoves and fire-
places
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In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys
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In close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the
detector
PLEASE REFER TO THE CO DETECTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND EMERGENCY
INFORMATION.
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